3.As far as possible use task lighting, which focuses light where its needed. A reading lamp, for example, lights only reading material rather than the whole room.

4.Dirty tube lights and bulbs reflect less light and can absorb 50 percent of the light; clean your tube lights and lamps regularly.

5.Fluorescent tube lights and CFLs convert electricity to visible light up to 5 times more efficiently than ordinary bulbs and thus save about 70% of electricity for the same lighting levels. An electronic choke can save up to 30% energy as compared to electro magnetic chokes.

6.Ninety percent of the energy consumed by an ordinary bulb (incandescent lamp) is given off as heat rather than visible light.

7.Replace your electricity- guzzling ordinary bulbs (incandescent lamps) with more efficient types. Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) use up to 75 percent less electricity than incandescent lamps. A 15-watt CFL bulb produces the same amount of light as a 60- watt incandescent bulb.

Room Air Conditioners
1.Use ceiling or table fan as first line of defense against summer heat. Ceiling fans, for instance, cost about 30 paise an hour to operate - much less than air conditioners (Rs.10 per hour).

2.You can reduce air-conditioning energy use by as much as 40 percent by shading your homes windows and walls. Plant trees and shrubs to keep the days hottest sun off your house.

3.One will use 3 to 5 percent less energy for each degree air conditioner is set above 22 degree C (71.5 degree F), so set the thermostat of room air conditioner at 25 degree C (77 degree F) to provide the most comfort at the least cost.

4.Using ceiling or room fans allows you to set the thermostat higher because the air movement will cool the room.

5.A good air conditioner will cool and dehumidify a room in about 30 minutes, so use a timer and leave the unit off for some time.

6.Keep doors to air-conditioned rooms closed as often as possible.

7.Clean the air-conditioner filter every month. A dirty air filter reduces airflow and may damage the unit. Clean filters enable the unit to cool down quickly and use less energy.

8.If room air conditioner is older and needs repair, its likely to be very inefficient. It may work out cheaper on life cycle costing to buy a new energy-efficient air conditioner.

Refrigerators
1.Make sure that refrigerator is kept away from all sources of heat, including direct sunlight, radiators and appliances such as the oven, and cooking range. When its dark, place a lit flashlight inside the refrigerator and close the door. If light around the door is seen, the seals need to be replaced.

2.Refrigerator motors and compressors generate heat, so allow enough space for continuous airflow around refrigerator. If the heat cant escape, the refrigerators cooling system will work harder and use more energy.

3.A full refrigerator is a fine thing, but be sure to allow adequate air, circulation inside.